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Understanding the Biblical Worldview
by Jeffrey W. Mardis
Copyright ©2009 Jeffrey W. Mardis - All material on this web page is FREE for distribution.
A BIBLE STUDY OF:
• The Present State of the World
• How Man Views Himself
• How God Views Man
• How the World Views Christians
• How the World Views Jesus Christ
• How God Views the World
"...that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God." LUKE 16:15
What is a Worldview?
A worldview is the total concept of how you perceive the behavior of the world as a whole. This collective idea of the world effects how you interact with others. Whether you're aware of it or not, everyone has some sort of WORLDVIEW. Some view man as basically good at heart, others see him as basically evil. Regardless of YOUR particular impression of the world, the God who created this world also holds a worldview. Isn't it best if we view the world as He views the world?
If you're a sinner saved by the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, it is extremely important that you have an accurate Bible-based view of the world. A worldview supported by the written word of God would constitute an authentic concept of how the world operates in relation to God and His children. This dependable picture will provide insight on accurately judging and proving the things of this world. "(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." (Eph. 5:9-11) The purpose of this study is to provide the Christian a with a WORLDVIEW which is "acceptable unto the Lord."
A worldview is the total concept of how you perceive the behavior of the world as a whole. This collective idea of the world effects how you interact with others. Whether you're aware of it or not, everyone has some sort of WORLDVIEW. Some view man as basically good at heart, others see him as basically evil. Regardless of YOUR particular impression of the world, the God who created this world also holds a worldview. Isn't it best if we view the world as He views the world?
If you're a sinner saved by the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, it is extremely important that you have an accurate Bible-based view of the world. A worldview supported by the written word of God would constitute an authentic concept of how the world operates in relation to God and His children. This dependable picture will provide insight on accurately judging and proving the things of this world. "(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." (Eph. 5:9-11) The purpose of this study is to provide the Christian a with a WORLDVIEW which is "acceptable unto the Lord."
From Positive to Negative
After God created the world it was "very good" in His sight (Gen. 1:31). In other words, Gods original WORLDVIEW was POSITIVE. Unfortunately, this positive outlook did not last long. The book of Romans explains: "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned." Romans 5:12 Because God is holy and sinless, He can have no fellowship with sinful creatures, whether they be angels or men (see 2 Cor. 5:21, 1 Peter 2:22, 2 Peter 2:4, Gen. 3:23-24). After Adam sinned, the kingdoms of this world were forfeited from the hands of man, into the hands of the Devil. Having sinned, Adam and his descendants were no longer children of God, but fallen children of the Devil. "He that committeth sin is of the devil..." (1 John 3:8). Satan the Devil, now being "the god of this world", is the spiritual father of the people of this world (see 2 Cor. 4:4, John 8:42-47 & 1 John 3:10).
1 - God creates a "very good" word, and an innocent man has dominion over it (Gen. 1:26-31). At this time God has a positive view of the world.
2 - After the Serpent tempts the woman in the Garden, sin enters the world through Adam's disobedience to the words of God (Gen. 2-3 & Rom. 5:12).
3 - The kingdoms of the world now belong to Satan (Luke 4:5-7). The world has sunken into sin and rebellion, and God now has a negative worldview.
When Christ was tempted in the wilderness, Satan came unto him "and the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, all this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine." (Luke 4:5-7, also see Matt. 4:8-9) It's clear from these Scriptures that currently the kingdoms of this world belong to Satan and he dispenses them as he sees fit. Psalms 2:2-3 reveals; "The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us." Why would the "kings of the earth" and its rulers "take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed", unless these kings and rulers were motivated by the Devil or their own sinful nature? These verses reveal a global conspiracy against God and His children. Is it any wonder that the Scriptures warn us; "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." (James 4:4) People, places and things which are lifted-up by the world, praised by the world and admired by the world are a stench in the nostrils of God.
After God created the world it was "very good" in His sight (Gen. 1:31). In other words, Gods original WORLDVIEW was POSITIVE. Unfortunately, this positive outlook did not last long. The book of Romans explains: "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned." Romans 5:12 Because God is holy and sinless, He can have no fellowship with sinful creatures, whether they be angels or men (see 2 Cor. 5:21, 1 Peter 2:22, 2 Peter 2:4, Gen. 3:23-24). After Adam sinned, the kingdoms of this world were forfeited from the hands of man, into the hands of the Devil. Having sinned, Adam and his descendants were no longer children of God, but fallen children of the Devil. "He that committeth sin is of the devil..." (1 John 3:8). Satan the Devil, now being "the god of this world", is the spiritual father of the people of this world (see 2 Cor. 4:4, John 8:42-47 & 1 John 3:10).
1 - God creates a "very good" word, and an innocent man has dominion over it (Gen. 1:26-31). At this time God has a positive view of the world.
2 - After the Serpent tempts the woman in the Garden, sin enters the world through Adam's disobedience to the words of God (Gen. 2-3 & Rom. 5:12).
3 - The kingdoms of the world now belong to Satan (Luke 4:5-7). The world has sunken into sin and rebellion, and God now has a negative worldview.
When Christ was tempted in the wilderness, Satan came unto him "and the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, all this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine." (Luke 4:5-7, also see Matt. 4:8-9) It's clear from these Scriptures that currently the kingdoms of this world belong to Satan and he dispenses them as he sees fit. Psalms 2:2-3 reveals; "The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us." Why would the "kings of the earth" and its rulers "take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed", unless these kings and rulers were motivated by the Devil or their own sinful nature? These verses reveal a global conspiracy against God and His children. Is it any wonder that the Scriptures warn us; "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." (James 4:4) People, places and things which are lifted-up by the world, praised by the world and admired by the world are a stench in the nostrils of God.
This Present World
"Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father". Galatains 1:3-4
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12
"...the whole world lieth in wickedness." 1 John 5:19
Sin brought death into the world (Gen. 3 & Rom 5:12). The world is now in opposition to God and working against God (remember Psalms 2:2-3!). This world-sponsored rebellion against God will eventually culminate in Satan leading the armies of this world against the Lord and His saints (see Rev. 19:19-21 & Rev. 20:8-10). Those who hold to the modern positive world view which says that all men are basically good, or that all men are the children of God, are either Bible rejecting false prophets or woefully ignorant of the truth.
"Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father". Galatains 1:3-4
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12
"...the whole world lieth in wickedness." 1 John 5:19
Sin brought death into the world (Gen. 3 & Rom 5:12). The world is now in opposition to God and working against God (remember Psalms 2:2-3!). This world-sponsored rebellion against God will eventually culminate in Satan leading the armies of this world against the Lord and His saints (see Rev. 19:19-21 & Rev. 20:8-10). Those who hold to the modern positive world view which says that all men are basically good, or that all men are the children of God, are either Bible rejecting false prophets or woefully ignorant of the truth.
Man's View of Himself
"All the ways of man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits." Prov. 16:2
"Every way of man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts." Prov. 21:2
"There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness." Prov. 30:12
When men of this world see themselves, they can see only cleanness, righteousness and purity. Sin never plays a factor in their self analysis. God's word has an answer for these self-righteous, truth-denying, deceived hypocrites:
"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." Prov. 14:12
"For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself." Gal. 6:3
"All the ways of man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits." Prov. 16:2
"Every way of man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts." Prov. 21:2
"There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness." Prov. 30:12
When men of this world see themselves, they can see only cleanness, righteousness and purity. Sin never plays a factor in their self analysis. God's word has an answer for these self-righteous, truth-denying, deceived hypocrites:
"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." Prov. 14:12
"For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself." Gal. 6:3
God's View of Man
"But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." Isaiah 64:6
"As it is written, There is none righteousness, no, not one". Romans 3:10
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God". Romans 3:23
"...verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity." Psalms 39:5
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Jermiah 17:9
"For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornication, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: all these things come from within, and defile the man." Mark 7:21-23
"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he..." Proverbs 23:7
"And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually, and it grieved him at his heart." Genesis 6:5-6
God's view of man is from the position of a Holy, Righteous and Pure God. Man was formed from the dirt of the earth, and because of sin, he is both spiritually and physically covered with dirt and uncleanness. How does man rid himself of his unclean sin nature? Man cannot cover himself in his own righteousness, for in the sight of God, man's own goodness is as filthy rags. Apart from being washed in the pure blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, YOU HAVE NO HOPE (see Rev. 1:5)!
"But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." Isaiah 64:6
"As it is written, There is none righteousness, no, not one". Romans 3:10
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God". Romans 3:23
"...verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity." Psalms 39:5
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Jermiah 17:9
"For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornication, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: all these things come from within, and defile the man." Mark 7:21-23
"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he..." Proverbs 23:7
"And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually, and it grieved him at his heart." Genesis 6:5-6
God's view of man is from the position of a Holy, Righteous and Pure God. Man was formed from the dirt of the earth, and because of sin, he is both spiritually and physically covered with dirt and uncleanness. How does man rid himself of his unclean sin nature? Man cannot cover himself in his own righteousness, for in the sight of God, man's own goodness is as filthy rags. Apart from being washed in the pure blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, YOU HAVE NO HOPE (see Rev. 1:5)!
The World's View of Jesus Christ
"If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you, if ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you." John 15:18-19
"I have given them thy word; and the world hateth them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." John 17:14
"Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you." 1 John 3:19
Because Jesus Christ was God "manifest in the flesh" (1 Tim. 3:16), He is sinless, pure, holy and undefiled. Likewise, those who are born of His Spirit (John 3:5&6) are "new creatures" (2 Cor. 5:17) becoming a living temple of the Holy Ghost (Acts 7:48). For these reasons, both Jesus Christ and those who trust in Him, are marked as enemies by this world. "These things I [Jesus] have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33
"If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you, if ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you." John 15:18-19
"I have given them thy word; and the world hateth them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." John 17:14
"Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you." 1 John 3:19
Because Jesus Christ was God "manifest in the flesh" (1 Tim. 3:16), He is sinless, pure, holy and undefiled. Likewise, those who are born of His Spirit (John 3:5&6) are "new creatures" (2 Cor. 5:17) becoming a living temple of the Holy Ghost (Acts 7:48). For these reasons, both Jesus Christ and those who trust in Him, are marked as enemies by this world. "These things I [Jesus] have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33
God's View of the World
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." 1John 2:15-16
"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." James 4:4
"Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers of the false prophets." Luke 6:26
"... that which is HIGHLY ESTEEMED among men is ABOMINATION in THE SIGHT of God." Luke 16:15
"All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity." Isaiah 40:17
Because righteousness can have no fellowship with unrighteousness and light can have no fellowship with darkness (2 Cor. 6:14-18), God, likewise can have no fellowship with this sinful world. Because two cannot walk together except they be agreed (Amos 3:3), the Holy God of the Bible cannot walk hand-in-hand with a rebellious world. ONLY through the mediation of His Son, Jesus Christ, does God fellowship with those in this world – those who are "purchased with His own blood" (Acts 20:28).
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." 1John 2:15-16
"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." James 4:4
"Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers of the false prophets." Luke 6:26
"... that which is HIGHLY ESTEEMED among men is ABOMINATION in THE SIGHT of God." Luke 16:15
"All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity." Isaiah 40:17
Because righteousness can have no fellowship with unrighteousness and light can have no fellowship with darkness (2 Cor. 6:14-18), God, likewise can have no fellowship with this sinful world. Because two cannot walk together except they be agreed (Amos 3:3), the Holy God of the Bible cannot walk hand-in-hand with a rebellious world. ONLY through the mediation of His Son, Jesus Christ, does God fellowship with those in this world – those who are "purchased with His own blood" (Acts 20:28).
The World's Own
In a recent December 26, 2008 Most Admired Poll released by the Gallup organization, it was found that 32% of Americans ranked Barack Obama as the No. 1 most admired man. This was Obama's fourth year ranking in Gallup's top ten "Most Admired Men", and his first year to rank No. 1. Hillary Clinton secured the No. 1 position for "Most Admired Women" for the seventh year running, ranking her in the top-ten billing for the last 13 years. The Rev. Billy Graham has ranked in the top ten of the poll for the last 53 years making him the "Most Admired Man" for over half a century. The Roman Pontiff has also consistently ranked in the Most Admired poll usually running just behind the sitting US President. In the 2008 poll Pope Benedict XVI, Rev. Billy Graham and Bill Clinton all tied for 4th place. Filling out the top ten of the "Most Admired Men" were (2) George W. Bush, (3) John McCain, (7) Colin Powell, (8) Nelson Mandela, (9) Bill Gates and (10) The Dalai Lama. The "Most Admired" women's poll had Hillary Clinton in the No. 1 spot, followed by (2) Sarah Palin, (3) Oprah Winfrey, (4) Condoleezza Rice, (5) Michelle Obama, (6) Margaret Thatcher, Laura Bush and Angelina Jolie tied for 7th, (9) Barbara Bush, and Madeleine Albright and Ellen DeGeneres tied for the No. 10 spot.
It can now be stated fairly that the individuals mentioned above are "ADMIRED" by the world (especially by the citizens of the United States). When certain men and women begin to gain popularity in the eyes of the world, Christians need to take note and be very cautious of these people – especially of prominent religious leaders. The Scriptures reveal; "Woe unto you, when all men shall SPEAK WELL of you! For so did their fathers to the FALSE prophets." (Luke 6:26) and the Lord Jesus Christ spoke to the Pharisees saying; "...ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: For that which is HIGHLY ESTEEMED among men is abomination in the sight of God." (Luke 16:15) IF the Billy Graham and the Pope are TRUE "men of God", how is it possible for them to appear on this poll? Is Billy Graham highly esteemed among men? Is the Pope highly esteemed among men? Do men speak well of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton? Why? With the full light of the Bible shining on these "most admired" individuals, suddenly something doesn't appear quite right. Remember, the world LOVES IT'S OWN, but hates and rejects the Lord Jesus Christ and the children of God (see John 15:18-19)! That's a "hard saying" I know, but such revelation MUST be taken into consideration in order to obtained an accurate Bible-based worldview.
In a recent December 26, 2008 Most Admired Poll released by the Gallup organization, it was found that 32% of Americans ranked Barack Obama as the No. 1 most admired man. This was Obama's fourth year ranking in Gallup's top ten "Most Admired Men", and his first year to rank No. 1. Hillary Clinton secured the No. 1 position for "Most Admired Women" for the seventh year running, ranking her in the top-ten billing for the last 13 years. The Rev. Billy Graham has ranked in the top ten of the poll for the last 53 years making him the "Most Admired Man" for over half a century. The Roman Pontiff has also consistently ranked in the Most Admired poll usually running just behind the sitting US President. In the 2008 poll Pope Benedict XVI, Rev. Billy Graham and Bill Clinton all tied for 4th place. Filling out the top ten of the "Most Admired Men" were (2) George W. Bush, (3) John McCain, (7) Colin Powell, (8) Nelson Mandela, (9) Bill Gates and (10) The Dalai Lama. The "Most Admired" women's poll had Hillary Clinton in the No. 1 spot, followed by (2) Sarah Palin, (3) Oprah Winfrey, (4) Condoleezza Rice, (5) Michelle Obama, (6) Margaret Thatcher, Laura Bush and Angelina Jolie tied for 7th, (9) Barbara Bush, and Madeleine Albright and Ellen DeGeneres tied for the No. 10 spot.
It can now be stated fairly that the individuals mentioned above are "ADMIRED" by the world (especially by the citizens of the United States). When certain men and women begin to gain popularity in the eyes of the world, Christians need to take note and be very cautious of these people – especially of prominent religious leaders. The Scriptures reveal; "Woe unto you, when all men shall SPEAK WELL of you! For so did their fathers to the FALSE prophets." (Luke 6:26) and the Lord Jesus Christ spoke to the Pharisees saying; "...ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: For that which is HIGHLY ESTEEMED among men is abomination in the sight of God." (Luke 16:15) IF the Billy Graham and the Pope are TRUE "men of God", how is it possible for them to appear on this poll? Is Billy Graham highly esteemed among men? Is the Pope highly esteemed among men? Do men speak well of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton? Why? With the full light of the Bible shining on these "most admired" individuals, suddenly something doesn't appear quite right. Remember, the world LOVES IT'S OWN, but hates and rejects the Lord Jesus Christ and the children of God (see John 15:18-19)! That's a "hard saying" I know, but such revelation MUST be taken into consideration in order to obtained an accurate Bible-based worldview.
A Condemned World
To many modern Christians, this Bible study is going to come across as extremely "negative" and even "hateful". However, when the Scriptures present truth with such descriptive words as sin, hate, evil, unclean, wicked, enemy, vain, deceitful, vanity, abomination, etc. does that change the fact that it's still the word of God? No. If you're a child of the Most High, this world is not your home (John 17:14). Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ stated in the book of John; "In my my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go and prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know." (John 14:2-4) If you are not born-again, this wicked world IS your home. You and this world have an appointment with FIRE! (2 Peter 3:10 & Rev. 20:15) You have only one alternative, the Lord Jesus Christ said "... Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3) Because the world has rejected Jesus Christ, it is condemned; "He that believeth on him is not condemned; but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (John 3:18) Why be condemned with the world, when God has already provided you a Way out? "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)
To many modern Christians, this Bible study is going to come across as extremely "negative" and even "hateful". However, when the Scriptures present truth with such descriptive words as sin, hate, evil, unclean, wicked, enemy, vain, deceitful, vanity, abomination, etc. does that change the fact that it's still the word of God? No. If you're a child of the Most High, this world is not your home (John 17:14). Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ stated in the book of John; "In my my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go and prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know." (John 14:2-4) If you are not born-again, this wicked world IS your home. You and this world have an appointment with FIRE! (2 Peter 3:10 & Rev. 20:15) You have only one alternative, the Lord Jesus Christ said "... Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3) Because the world has rejected Jesus Christ, it is condemned; "He that believeth on him is not condemned; but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (John 3:18) Why be condemned with the world, when God has already provided you a Way out? "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)
